“I made the World Leading mark, but honestly, I didn’t do the best possible,” said Tia Clayton after storming to victory in the Doha 100m dash back in May, clocking 10.92 seconds to edge out her twin sister, Tina Clayton. It was the perfect start to her Diamond League campaign. But fate had other plans. A brutal injury at the Jamaican Nationals sidelined her for most of the season, derailing her momentum. Yet, Tia roared back in Silesia, blazing to 10.82 for a stunning second place. But with Julien Alfred’s comeback looming large, can Clayton’s Diamond League finale dream survive the storm?

As of today, Tia is ranked eighth and has not qualified for the Diamond League finale. Meanwhile, her rival, Julien Alfred, sits at the top with 31 points despite missing the events in Silesia, Lausanne, and Brussels. Alfred has won four of her five Diamond League appearances in 2025, and her dominance makes it extremely difficult for the Jamaican to secure a spot in the finale in Zurich later this month. Had Julien Alfred opted out of Zurich as was the plan earlier, Tia Clayton would have likely made it to her first Diamond League finale ever. But now, this seems highly unlikely.

With Alfred sitting at the top, she’s already qualified for the DL finale. In second place is Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith with 25 points. Coming in third is Maia McCoy, also with 25 points. In fourth is Melissa Jefferson with 24 points. Fifth place goes to Dina Asher-Smith with 18 points, followed by Tina Clayton in sixth with 17 points. In seventh is Jacious Sears with 17 points.

With an amazing start at Doha, clocking 10.92 seconds, Tia Clayton was certain that she would rock this season. Her sister followed closely behind, finishing in 11.02 seconds, while Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce came in just after with 11.03. Doha laid the foundation for her this season; however, he momentum was derailed at the Jamaican Nationals. She pulled up just before the finish line in the semifinals after badly pulling her hamstring.

Talking to the media, Tina Clayton stated, “It’s a very sad moment [Tia Clayton’s injury]. [Wanted] the both of us to meet the team. It was a dream and the fact that it was my first time making the final, I was like it is possible. But they always say track and field is a very ungrateful sport. Things happen. So we give and take and we still give God the glory.”

Missing all the other Diamond League events except Doha and Silesia certainly cost Tia Clayton. With the conclusion of Brussels, she no longer has a chance to redeem herself, making it very difficult for her to qualify for the finale. With Alfred’s return. Even the fans are worried about Tia.

Concerned fans express their worries for Tia Clayton

Aiming to retain her Diamond League finale title, Julien Alfred has officially been announced as a participant by the league. This might affect Tia Clayton’s chances of securing her spot in the event. Despite currently being within the top eight rankings, doubts still loom over her participation, leaving fans concerned. In response to this development, one fan dramatically wrote, “Tia Clayton just fell to her knees.” Another concerned supporter expressed sympathy, commenting simply, “oh tia…”

The news also sparked humorous reactions online. One fan shared the popular ‘Disgusted Mourinho’ meme with the caption, “Tia Clayton looking at this.” Meanwhile, another social media user provided a key update, revealing Alfred’s current location:
“Julien Alfred is already in Switzerland doing media interviews ahead of the Wanda Diamond League Final in Zurich next Thursday!”

As the debate continued, some fans remained hopeful for Tia’s redemption, with one boldly predicting, “What y’all gon do when Tia runs 10.72 to win the diamond league trophy?”  To which another reacted with disappointment, exclaiming, “Oh Lord!”

This season has gone badly for the young athlete. She started off strong but was held back by injuries, making it one of the toughest years for the Jamaican. However, she has not conceded defeat yet and is hoping for a miracle at the Diamond League finale. Tia Clayton continues to train, but will luck be on her side? Only time will tell.